Paul Henry Sheesley (age 99)

[Pompeii]

World War II Veteran, Paul Henry Sheesley, Age 99 of DuBois, PA died Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at his home.

Paul was born on July 08, 1922, in Reynoldsville, PA to Orrie and Elizabeth (Carberry) Sheesley. He graduated from Reynoldsville High School in 1940 and on October 10, 1943, he married Elizabeth (Landis) Sheesley at the First Baptist Church in DuBois, PA.

In 1944, Paul graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. Following graduation, while awaiting his World War II draft call, he was asked to install an employee incentive program at the Reynoldsville Casket Factory.

Paul entered the United States Navy and attended boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station. He was trained as an electronics technician and worked at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. where he awaited his call to board the USS Humboldt. Recently, Paul was happy and felt honored to know that he will be recognized for his World War II service by a Hometown Heroes banner.

At the end of the war, in 1946, Paul was hired at Brockway Glass Company. He subsequently became Director of Industrial Engineering during which time he became Glass Industry Chairman charged with developing a uniform wage structure program and oversaw the installation of this program in all 20 glass container manufacturing companies across the country. Paul also actively served on the Glass Industry Labor Relations Committee for many years. After 40 years of service to the glass industry, he retired from Owens Illinois in 1987.

Together with his wife Betty, he also started the local Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio. The Sheesley family sold the business in 1992, and it continues to thrive today.

As a young child, Paul and his sister Betty Ann sang duet at the First Baptist Church in Reynoldsville and other churches throughout the area. Later, Paul was active in his church, the First United Presbyterian of DuBois, where he served as trustee for many years.  He was also active in the community where he served on the Board of the Salvation Army and volunteered for many services, was a charter member of the Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow and served as a scoutmaster.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty in 2004, his grandson Brian Truesdale, sons-in-law Jerry Truesdale, Bill Ackerman and Michael Banas, brothers Myron Sheesley (Jean), and Devere Sheesley (Helen), sisters Awilda (Tom) Reed, and Betty Ann (Paul) Guhl, sister/niece Joanie (Ken) Shobert. He is survived by his daughters Diane Ackerman of Treasure Lake, Lisa (Wes) Donahue of State College, and Polly (Ray) Kostecki of Williamsburg, VA, as well as grandchildren Michelle Matzinger, Jordan Truesdale, Marc Donahue, Adam Kostecki, Alex Donahue, Alyssa Donahue Gibberman, and JP Kostecki, and great-grand-children Miranda, Shane, Shaun, and Chase.

Paul enjoyed gardening and took pride in his beautiful yard. He was also an avid golfer.

Paul was known throughout his life as a very kind, generous and industrious person. He was always cheerful and was known to break out in song about any topic of conversation. He loved people, especially his precious family to whom he was highly devoted.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home with Pastor Dan Smith officiating.

Full military honors will be accorded from the funeral home by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.

Burial will follow in Morningside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Penn Highlands Hospice, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801

Online condolences can be made to http://baronickfuneralhome.com/obituaries